Police: Multiple Taser shocks needed to stop ax-wielding Utah suspect

Unified Police say they were forced to shock an ax-wielding, mentally disturbed man multiple times with a Taser Friday morning after he allegedly stabbed and slashed his mother.

UPD Detective Jared Richardson said the incident began about 5:30 a.m. when the 60-year-old woman went into her garage at 5586 S. 5720 West in Kearns, apparently to drive away. She and her 39-year-old son argued over yet-to-be-determined issues and he allegedly stabbed and cut her.

"From there, it apparently developed into sort of a hostage situation, with him keeping the mother and his adult sister [inside the house]," Richardson said.

UPD officers received their first 911 call reporting a domestic disturbance at the address about 8:45 a.m. Officers were already in the area on an unrelated call and arrived quickly, spotting the man, holding an ax, inside the open garage.

The officers repeatedly ordered the suspect to drop the ax and surrender, but he refused the commands.

"He ended up being Tased several times in order to be taken into custody," Richardson said.

After subduing the suspect, officers entered the home and located the mother and 24-year-old sister. The sister was unharmed, but the mother was taken to the hospital, where she was later reported to be in fair condition.

The suspect was also taken to a hospital for removal of Taser prongs and a mental health evaluation.

Once he is released, the man was to be booked into the Salt Lake County jail on multiple charges, including attempted homicide, Richardson said.

The incident remained under investigation.

remims@sltrib.com

Twitter: @remims